Sports fans had a lot to say after Prince Harry was presented with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs on Thursday night.
Prince Harry was awarded the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYs. The youngest son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales, served 10 years in the British military — including two tours in Afghanistan.
Pat Tillman played safety for the Arizona Cardinals from 1998 to 2001. The former Arizona State star left the NFL to serve in the United States Army in 2002 and was deployed to Afghanistan.
Tillman was killed by friendly fire at the age of 27 on Apr. 22, 2004.
Pat’s mother, Mary Tillman, expressed outrage over the decision to present Prince Harry with the Award. Per the Daily Mail, Mary called Harry “a divisive individual” and said there were “more fitting” recipients:
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.
There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.
These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised.”
An emotional Prince Harry acknowledged Mary and Tillman’s family, stating that “the bond between a mother and son is eternal.”
“No matter the road ahead, we are here for you. We will leave no one behind.”
-Prince Harry after accepting the Pat Tillman Award for Service ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8VBXBggYP4
— ESPN (@espn) July 12, 2024
Social media had all sorts of different reactions to Prince Harry receiving the award. While some praised his heartfelt speech, others weren’t exactly moved by Harry’s words:
